Fence covering system

ABSTRACT

A fence covering system includes a frame configured and dimensioned to cover a portion of an existing fence. A panel is connected to the frame to provide a visual effect. A connector secures the frame on a portion of the fence, the connector providing an attachment position for the frame.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application is a divisional of copending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/835,715, filed Apr. 30, 2004, which claims priority toProvisional Application Ser. No. 60/466,949, filed May 2, 2003, both ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to fence covering systems, andin particular, to an apparatus and method for mounting onto and coveringat least one side of existing or new fences.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

A fence covering system includes a split portion post and a panelconfigured and dimensioned to cover a portion of an existing fence. Thepanel is connected to a frame to provide a visual effect. A connectorsecures the post on a portion of the fence, the connector providing anattachment position for the post.

Alternatively, a second panel may be used to cover the opposite side ofa fence in addition to he first panel. Another panel may be attached tothe first panel at the top, with both panels being received at theiredges by a recess in the post.

Further, the fence covering system according to the present invention iseasily removable, so that alternate designs and configurations may befreely interchanged and installed as desired. Advantageously, thepresent invention may be adapted to be used with virtually any type offence or fence frame, and is not limited to use with, e.g., chain-linkfences.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

This disclosure will present in detail the following description ofpreferred embodiments with reference to the following figures wherein:

FIG. 1A is an exploded perspective view showing a panel frame and panelin accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is an assembled perspective view showing a panel frame and panelin accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A-G are perspective views showing panel frames being assembled ona chain link fence in accordance with different embodiments of thepresent invention;

FIG. 3 is an assembled perspective view showing a panel frame withadditional height in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view showing panel frames cascaded inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 4B and 4D are perspective views showing adjustable mounting platesin accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4C is a perspective view showing a panel frame mounted on a chainlink fence in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4E is a perspective view showing mounting plates secured to polesof a fence in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 5A-C are perspective views showing adjustable pole covers andornamental poles used in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 6A-6L are perspective views showing a plurality of differentassemblies to be employed in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 7A-7C are perspective views showing hardware employed on gates inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1A and 1B depict an exemplary fence covering panel 100 accordingto an aspect of the present invention. Preferably, the fence coveringpanel 100 is constructed of a rigid but somewhat flexible and resilientmaterial, e.g., aluminum, vinyl, plastic, etc. In one embodiment, thepresent invention is generally comprised of at least one panel frame 102having an interior panel 104 fitted therein which may include, e.g.,optional openings/perforations 106, etc. It is to be noted that theinterior panel 104 may include, for example, various graphics (e.g.,“artwork”) on its outer face. In addition, the interior panel 104 may beconstructed in various configurations and designs (e.g., picket or slotdesigns 108).

FIGS. 2A-2G show various alternative embodiments wherein two of thefence covering panels 100 are combined to be fitted over both sides of achain-link fence 200. It is to be noted that the chain link fence 200shown here is for exemplary purposes only and use of the presentinvention with other types of fences may be contemplated.

In one embodiment, each covering panel 100 is placed over either side ofthe fence 200 and then joined to each other at, for example, a top endvia, e.g., snaps, screws, bolts, etc. (not shown). In anotherembodiment, as shown e.g., in FIGS. 2B and 2C, one or more pairs ofmounting plates 202 are first installed and fixed onto the fence 200 ora top fence bar 201 via, e.g., snaps, screws, etc. At least one of thepair of mounting plates 202 may include, for example, protrusions 204shaped to at least fit through, for example, links of the chain-linkfence 200, and be mated with appropriately shaped receiving cavities(not shown) on a corresponding mounting plate 202 on the other side ofthe fence (see FIG. 2D). Alternatively, at least one of a pair ofmounting plates 202 may be adapted for attachment on the top fence bar201 (e.g., may have a hollow cavity formed therein shaped to receive aportion of the top fence bar 201) and then be attached to acorresponding mounting plate 202 on the other side of the top fence bar201. In these ways, for example, each mounting plate 202 may be snappedinto place and secured onto the fence 200 as well as be secured to eachother.

In yet another alternate embodiment, it is to be noted that eachcovering panel 100 may include attachment points for attachment ofvarious mounting plates 206 thereon as desired (e.g., plates mountingover fence bar 201 or through the chain-link fence 200) that areremovable and independently interchangeable as desired (see FIG. 2E).

Next, each covering panel 100 can then be attached to the fence 200 viaeach installed mounting plate 202. For example, each covering panel 100may be snapped, screwed onto, or otherwise fastened onto each mountingplate 202. The mounting plates 202 also serve to ensure and simplifycorrect alignment of each covering panel 100 with each other and withrespect to the fence 200 prior to installation of each covering panel100.

In yet another embodiment, each covering panel 100 is first attached toeach other at a top end (via, e.g., screws, snaps, etc.) and thenslidably installed over the fence 200 (see FIG. 2F). FIG. 2G shows asegment of two fence covering panels 100 according to the presentinvention as installed on, for example, both sides of the chain-linkfence 200. It is to be noted that each of the fence covering panels 100may include a fastening means (not shown) to secure the panels 100 tothe fence 200. Such fastening means may comprise, e.g., a clip to securethe bottom of each panel 100 to the bottom of the fence 200.Alternately, two covering panels are integrally formed to provide asingle piece, which can be fitted over the top of a fence 200. The twopanels may be hingedly connected to fit over the fence and be attachedto or through the fence at a lower portion.

FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary embodiment of the fence covering panel 100having an optional extended detailing feature 300 according to an aspectof the present invention. The detailing 300 may comprise, e.g.,railings, posts, arches, walls, etc. in any shape, size or configurationto extend the height of the overall fence as desired.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show exemplary arrangements wherein multiple fencecovering panels 100 are installed on either sides of the fence 200 aswell as adjacent to each other along the fence 200. It is to be notedthat the fence covering panels 100 may include, e.g.,interlocking/mating features (not shown) for side-by-side attachment toeach other when they are adjacently installed.

The installation of the panels 100 onto the fence 200 may beaccomplished using, e.g., individual mounting plates 202 as describedabove or upper and lower adjustable mounting plates 400 and 401,respectively. The upper and lower adjustable mounting plates 400 and 401may be, for example, slideable to provide for adjustment of their lengthas desired along each side of the fence 202 (see FIG. 4B). Thus, in analternate embodiment as shown in FIG. 4C, a single extended fencecovering system 402 may be installed onto the fence 200 on appropriatelyextended adjustable mounting plates 400 and 401 (not shown).

In yet another alternate embodiment, FIG. 4D depicts installation ofupper and lower adjustable mounting plates 400 and 401 on a standardfence frame comprising fence posts 404 and top fence bar 201. It is tobe noted that in this embodiment, the lower adjustable mounting plate401 may be used alone without an additional bottom fence bar forreinforcement. FIG. 4E shows yet another embodiment wherein framemounting plates 406 are installed onto the top fence bar 201 and abottom fence bar 408 for mounting of the fence covering panels 100.

Thus advantageously, it is to be noted that it is not required toconstruct an actual fence in its entirety for installation andattachment of a fence covering system according to the presentinvention. Instead, a simple fencing frame can provide sufficientstructural support for installation, mounting and utilization of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 5A-5C show exemplary embodiments wherein a fence post coveringsystem 500 is installed onto a fence 200. It is to be noted that thefence post covering system 500 may be used to cover fence posts orfences of any type, and is not limited to chain-link fences. In oneembodiment, the fence post covering system 500 is comprised of at leastone fence post mounting plate 501 and at least one fence post coveringpanel 503. It is to be noted that the mounting plate 501 may be adaptedso as to be removably attachable to a fence post (see FIG. 5A) or at anypoint along the fence (see FIG. 5B). In another embodiment as shown inFIG. 5C, each fence post covering panel 503 includes removable mountingpieces 505 attached therein that are shaped/positioned accordingly forattachment of the panel 503 to the fence post 404 or to any point alongthe fence 200.

FIGS. 6A-6L depict various embodiments of a combined fence and fencepost covering system according to the present invention. It is to benoted that the fence and fence post covering system may be adapted foruse on either one of both sides of the fence 200 as desired. Preferably,each of the components of the fence and fence post covering system isconstructed of a rigid but somewhat flexible and resilient material,e.g., aluminum, vinyl, plastic, etc.

In FIG. 6A, a combination fence and fence post covering system 600 isshown comprising fence post coverings 503, a side panel 601 and a cap603. The fence post coverings 503 may be attached to each fence post 404via e.g., fence post mounting plates 501 or mounting pieces 505, asdescribed above. The side panel 601 is preferably cut and sized to fitbetween each post covering 503 and may be attached to the fence 200 bye.g., partially inserting/sliding each edge 602 of the panel 601under/into each post covering 503. The cap 603 is also preferably cutand sized to fit between the post coverings 503 and preferably has aninterior cavity 604 appropriately sized/shaped to fit over and receivethe top fence bar 201. The cap 603 may be secured if desired to thefence bar 201 and/or to either or both of the fence covering posts 503via any conventional means e.g., suction, snaps, clips, bolts, screws,etc.

Alternatively, the cap 603 may be attached to the fence bar 201 viamounting onto at least one cap mount 605 (see FIG. 6B). Preferably, foroptimal stability, at least two cap mounts 605 are used for mounting thecap 603 thereon. Each cap mount 605 may be attached to the fence bar 201by any conventional means, e.g., screws, bolts, snaps, suction, etc.

In another embodiment as shown in FIG. 6C, a modified post mount 607 maybe provided for attachment to a top end of the fence post 404.Preferably, each post mount 607 is designed to secure at least one or,alternatively, both post coverings 503 on either side of the fence 200,as well as the cap 603 to the fence 200. The post mount 607 may beaffixed to the post 404 via conventional means, e.g., bolts, pressurescrews, snaps, etc. It is to be noted that the modified post mount 607may be used in a similar fashion on a bottom end of the fence bar 404.

It is to be noted that the side panel 601 may be comprised of individualpanels 609 that are integrated (e.g., attached) to each other (see FIG.6D). The individual panels 609 may be pre-cut in various sizes/shapesand may each have identical or varying widths and dimensions. Theindividual panels 609 are preferably designed to fit together andinclude means for attaching to each other. For example, each panel 609may be secured to each other by various conventional means, e.g., viasnaps, by being slid into place and secured via interlocking mechanisms,etc. The individual panels 609 are removable/attachable to each other asdesired to adjust the width of the overall side panel 601. A lower barpanel 611 may also be added, for example, along the lower portion of thefence between each post covering 503. The lower bar panel 611 may besecured to the fence 200 via snaps, screws, bolts, etc.

In another embodiment, the side panel 601 having the cap 603 and thelower bar panel 611 attached thereon may be provided as a single sidepanel unit 613 for ease of installation (see FIG. 6E). The single sidepanel unit 613 may be mounted onto one or both sides of the fence 200.In yet another embodiment, the single side panel unit 613 may be furthercombined with at least one post covering 503 to provide a combined paneland post unit 615 (see FIG. 6F). The combined panel post unit 615 mayinclude one or two post coverings 503. It is to be noted that the sidepanel 601, whether or not it is combined with the cap 603, the lower barpanel 611 or the post covering 503, may be constructed in variousdesigns (e.g., cross-panels 617 (see FIG. 6G), picket design, etc.)and/or further customized to include various graphics (e.g., asdescribed above for the interior panel 104).

In an alternate embodiment, the combined panel and post unit 615 may bemodified, e.g., to have a removable lower section 619 as well as aremovable lower post covering 621 (see e.g., FIG. 6H). It is to be notedthat either the lower section 619 and/or the lower post covering 621 maybe removed or added as desired. Preferably, the post covering 503 isattached at at least one point on the upper portion of the fence post404 (see e.g., FIG. 6C) via, e.g., post mount 501, mounting pieces 505or modified post mount 607 as described above, such that even if thelower post covering 621 is removed, the remaining portion of the postcovering 503 is supported by and affixed to the fence post 404 (notshown).

In another embodiment as shown in FIG. 61, extended post coverings 623may be provided which extend upwards a desired height beyond the heightof the fence 200. An upper panel 621 may be added which fits between theextended post coverings 623 to extend the height of the fence 200 asdesired. The upper panel 621 may be removably attached to the top of thecap 603 or to the top of the fence covering panel 100, or be combinedwith the fence covering panel 100 as one unit. In addition, the extendedpost coverings 623 may optionally include attachment points (not shown)for securing each end of the upper panel 621 to the extended postcoverings 623.

In another embodiment as shown in FIG. 6J, a removable planter box 625may be mounted between the extended posts 623. The planter box 625 maybe permanently affixed or integrally formed with the side panel 601. Itis to be noted that the planter box 625 may be affixed, for example,atop the cap 603 or directly atop the side panel 601, and may further besecured to the extended posts 623 at each end. The extended posts 623may further optionally include lamps 627 or other ornamental featuresattached, for example, at a top end.

Alternatively, the planter box 625 may be permanently/removably attachedto the bottom end of the fence 200 between each post covering 503 (seee.g., FIG. 6K). In this embodiment, the side panel 601 may include, forexample, a removable panel 629 for providing pass-through of lightthrough the fence 200 when the planter box 625 is used. It is to benoted that the side panel 601 may be comprised of openings,perforations, etc., in any configuration to also permit pass-through oflight as desired.

A corner post covering 631 may be provided having slots 633 enabling thecovering 631 to be slid into place over a fence corner post 635 (seeFIG. 6L). Alternatively, an extended version of the corner post covering631 may be provided and the slots 633 may serve as receiving points onat least two adjacent sides of the corner post covering 631 forpermitting attachment of, for example, the upper panels 621 (see FIG.61). The slots 633 may comprise, e.g., openings sufficient for insertionof one end of the upper panel 621 and may include locking mechanisms tosecure the upper panels 621 therein. Any other conventional means (e.g.,snaps, bolts, etc.) for attachment of the upper panel 621 to theextended version of the corner post covering 631 may be contemplated.

FIGS. 7A-7C depict various embodiments of the present invention asadapted for fence gates. At a basic level, a gate side panel 701, gatepost coverings 703 and a gate cap 705 may be provided for covering afence gate 700. Alternatively, 701, 703 and 705 may be provided as acombined single fence covering unit 707 (see FIG. 7B). It is to be notedthat the fence post covering 503 which covers a fence post adjacent tothe opening point of the fence gate 700 may be modified to include,e.g., a slot 709 or other means for receiving a gate locking hinge orother locking/closing mechanism on the fence gate 700.

Having described preferred embodiments for fence covering systems (whichare intended to be illustrative and not limiting), it is noted thatmodifications and variations can be made by persons skilled in the artin light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood thatchanges may be made in the particular embodiments of the inventiondisclosed which are within the scope and spirit of the invention asoutlined by the appended claims. Having thus described the inventionwith the details and particularity required by the patent laws, what isclaimed and desired protected by Letters Patent is set forth in theappended claims.

1. A fence covering system, comprising: a split portion post havingportions connectable over a portion of an existing fence; a paneldimensioned and configured to cover a portion of the fence; and a recessformed in the post for receiving and securing a portion of the panelsuch that the panel is secured by the post to maintain the panel in anoperational position relative to the fence.
 2. The fence covering systemas recited in claim 1, wherein the panel is attached to the post by aframe and the frame encloses at least a top edge of the panel, and therecess in the post receives the frame and an adjacent frame.
 3. Thefence covering system as recited in claim 1, further comprising a cap,which connects to a top portion of the panel between adjacent posts. 4.The fence covering system as recited in claim 1, further comprising asecond panel secured on an opposite side of the fence from the otherpanel.
 5. The fence covering system as recited in claim 1, furthercomprising a connector having a first portion for a first side of afence and a second portion for a second side of the fence opposite thefirst side, the connector for providing an attachment position for thepost.
 6. The fence covering system as recited in claim 5, wherein theconnector includes split half portions which connect over a fence pole.7. The fence covering system as recited in claim 1, further comprising aplurality of posts and panels disposed adjacent to one another along thefence to cover the fence.
 8. The fence covering system as recited inclaim 1, further comprising a top portion configured to extend a heightabove the existing fence.
 9. The fence covering system as recited inclaim 1, wherein the panel includes a portion, which receives a planter.10. The fence covering system as recited in claim 1, wherein the postincludes a light post.
 11. A fence covering system, comprising: a splitportion post having portions connectable over a vertical post of anexisting fence; a first panel dimensioned and configured to cover aportion of the fence; a frame configured and dimensioned to support andsecure the first panel; and a recess formed in the post for receivingand securing a portion of the frame such that the first panel is securedby the frame to maintain the first panel in an operational positionrelative to the fence and the vertical post.
 12. The fence coveringsystem as recited in claim 11, wherein the recess in the post furtherreceives an adjacent frame.
 13. The fence covering system as recited inclaim 11, further comprising a second panel secured to the frame on anopposite side of the fence from the first panel.
 14. The fence coveringsystem as recited in claim 11, further comprising a connector having afirst portion for a first side of a fence and a second portion for asecond side of the fence opposite the first side, the connector forproviding an attachment position for the post.
 15. The fence coveringsystem as recited in claim 15, wherein the connector includes split halfportions which connect over a fence pole.
 16. The fence covering systemas recited in claim 11, wherein further comprising a top portion,configured to extend a height above the existing fence.
 17. The fencecovering system as recited in claim 11, wherein the post includes alight post.
 18. A fence covering system, comprising: a split portionpost having portions connectable over a vertical post of an existingfence; a first panel dimensioned and configured to cover a portion ofthe fence; connector having a split half portions for a first side of afence and a second side of the fence opposite the first side, theconnector for providing an attachment position for the post; and arecess formed in the post for receiving and securing a portion of thefirst panel such that the first panel is secured by the post to maintainthe first panel in an operational position relative to the fence. 19.The fence covering system as recited in claim 18, wherein the split halfportions of the connector connect over a fence pole.
 20. The fencecovering system as recited in claim 18, further comprising a secondpanel connected to the first panel at an upper portion, the recessformed to receive the first and second panels.